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Warrior Prince, book one in my Drift Lords series, is free today at The Wild Rose Press and through the weekend until December 3rd. Order for FREE Here

Set in a contemporary world woven with magic, intrigue, romance, and suspense, Warrior Prince is based on Norse mythology. Nira Larsen is having a bad day when she gets attacked at a seedy employment office in Orlando, FL. Rushing to her defense is a team of men clad in black and carrying futuristic weapons. Their leader offers her a proposal. He and his men are strangers in town, and they need a local guide. Would Nira be interested in taking the job? Eager to earn extra money, she accepts. Thus begins her descent into a nightmare of ancient prophesies, legendary myths, and danger.

Drift Lord leader Zohar Thorald recognizes Nira as one of the prophesied women destined to prevent a coming apocalypse, and he determines to keep her safe. But can he keep himself safe from her charms? Not only does she have the power to defeat the enemy but she could easily enslave his soul.

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“With a mix of humor and action, this exciting intergalactic romance is based on an Old Norse legends brought up to date for a new generation…Warrior Prince is not only a great romance but it’s about two strong people. This journey is fast paced and exciting as our characters fight the bad guys and find true love.”—Night Owl Reviews

“For a funny bone tingling non-stop action and adventure sci-fi thriller with a swirl of romance, Nancy J. Cohen’s Drift Lords series is one you won’t want to pass up.”—Oh, for the HOOK of a BOOK!

“This is a most enjoyable tale, with suspense in more than ample supply, leavened with romance, mystery, and mythology. Cohen excels, too, in creating memorable and quirky characters, both ‘real’ world and mythic. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy!” —Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore

She seems like everything he despises—until her beauty challenges his warrior’s heart.

When fashion designer Jennifer Dyhr loses her lead actor for a video-game commercial, a replacement literally drops from the sky. Reluctant to let him leave, she hires him as a model for her studio. But when terrorists attack their flight home, Jen must awaken powers she didn’t know she had to protect them both. Will she be able to keep her heart safe from the sensual man beside her?

When space ops warrior Paz Hadar falls through a spatial rift onto Jen’s set, he soon realizes she is essential to his mission. Not only must he protect her, his success depends upon her special powers. But as they struggle to stay one step ahead of the enemy, he discovers that fighting his attraction to the lovely Jen is as much a challenge as keeping them both alive.

And here is a brief excerpt after Jen and Paz make an emergency landing in their business jet on a remote Pacific island:

“Come on, we can’t waste time.” Paz signaled to her from the open hatchway.

She staggered toward him. Peering outside, she was glad to note they didn’t need the emergency chute. They could easily jump the short distance to the ground. Holding her long skirt, she leaped after Paz onto the beach.

He caught her in his muscular arms and gently eased her down. His tousled hair, determined jaw, and ocean blue eyes had never looked better.

“Thank you. You saved our lives.” On impulse, Jen rose on her tiptoes and kissed him.

She’d only meant it to be a brief expression of gratitude, but Paz’s gaze intensified. He swept her into his arms and gave her a passionate kiss that left her breathless.

“We’re safe now.” He broke away with a regretful expression. “At least, for the moment. But we shouldn’t linger.”

“For the moment? What does that mean?” The memory of those ugly men who’d attacked them returned with full force. “You know who assaulted us, don’t you? When are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

“Let’s summon help first. I need to put my comm unit back together. If we can hook it into a local network, you can call your people.”

“I have my cell phone.” She patted her purse.

His hand clamped onto her arm. “We should scout around. Our landing probably attracted attention, and we don’t want the wrong people to find us.”

WHAT TO DO IF YOU MEET A TROLLEK by Nira Larsen, grad student in comparative mythology

Trolleks move so fast, you’ll see them as a blur of speed. Go back-to-back with a friend so an ugly brute won’t surprise you from behind. Any weapon will do but watch out for their disruptor fire.

Don’t let a Trollek touch an exposed area of skin, or you’re a goner. You’ll be confounded, i.e. under their spell and compelled to do their bidding. Believe me, you’d rather be dead than be made a mind slave.

Be aware of the distinction between Trollek males and females. The males are ugly human-like creatures with large ears and noses. On the other hand, the females are beautiful and entice men with their hot looks and irresistible pheromones. Unlike their menfolk, Trollek females have no fondness for human women. If one of them mentions experiments and science lab in the same breath, run and hide.

Trollek females have some issues with their men. If a Trollek lady aims her sights on you, engage her in a feminist dialogue. It might distract her long enough for help to arrive.

Watch out for their allies: shapeshifter fire giants, elf kings, and vengeful Norse gods. You can’t trust anyone, especially if they can morph into a lizard or a wolf.

If a Trollek says, “The Devil made me do it,” believe him.

Trolleks have a fondness for mirrors. If confronted by a beastie, pull a mirrored compact from your purse and toss it at him while you run away.

Scream as though your lungs will burst and a Drift Lord might come to your aid. Hope he hasn’t applied his personal protection system if you want to thank him properly for your rescue.

Ring a bell if you encounter a Trollek. They don’t like loud noises and that might provide enough of a distraction for you to run away.

Legend says a weapon exists that can defeat these beasts. Follow the clues and you might find it. But hurry; the apocalypse is nearly upon us!

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The Trolleks in my Drift Lords series are based on trolls from Norwegian legends. Some people say that certain rock formations may be trolls who have been turned into stone. What is your favorite fairy tale, myth, or legend?

Leave a comment for a chance to win a prize! Share and Tweet to be entered into a grand prize drawing.

Warrior Prince: The Drift Lords Series by Nancy J. Cohen

When mythologist and Florida resident Nira Larsen accepts a job as tour guide for a mysterious stranger, she’s drawn into a nightmare reality where ancient myths come alive and legendary evils seek to destroy her. To survive, she must awaken her dormant powers, but the only person who can help is the man whose touch inflames her passion.

After a dimensional rift in the Bermuda Triangle cracks open and an ancient enemy invades Earth, Zohar—leader of the galactic warriors known as the Drift Lords—summons his troops. He doesn’t count on a redheaded spitfire getting in his way and capturing his heart. Nira has the power to defeat the enemy and to enslave Zohar’s soul. Can he trust her enough to accomplish his mission, or will she lure him to his doom?

A troll king searches for an emerald ring that will transform him back to human. His search is centered in a San Francisco apartment building where a boy lives whose name is Harry Potter. This boy discovers he is special and only his wizardly powers can save the world. Hmm…Does this scenario and character name sound familiar?

Thor disobeys his father and garners the wrath of the frost giants. As punishment, he’s cast from the celestial home of the gods in Asgard and sent to Earth minus his superpowers. Here he meets scientist Jane Forster and learns compassion for the mortals on Earth. Their lives are threatened when Thor’s estranged brother Loki decides to conquer the world for himself. Wondrous world building, special effects, and superheroes make this an entertaining film, but the father-son relationships at the heart of the story are what makes it memorable.

Hobbit Frodo Baggins and friends go on a quest to throw an evil ring into the pit of fire where it was forged in order to destroy it. Various nasty creatures try to stop them. Excellent world building and a classic example of epic fantasy.

A young prince invades an enemy city and steals a dagger containing the sands of time.Too late, he realizes the mistake he’s committed. Forced to flee after being accused of murdering the king, he wonders if he can use the magic sands to reverse time, correct the wrongs, and prevent an evil plot to change the world. Helping him is the princess whose land he had invaded. This film is pure escapist fun.

The people of Ember rely on their electrical generator for power, without which their mysterious world would go black. Lighting fluctuations cause alarm to the citizens but none more than two children who suspect there may be an escape route leading out of the city. But the rules forbid anyone from venturing beyond the borders, and the corrupt Mayor is quick to punish transgressors. Clues left by a previous official may lead our heroes to the answers, if the Mayor doesn’t capture them first. This fascinating YA science fiction adventure sticks in your mind.

Wizard Harry Potter and his friends face a final battle against evil Lord Voldemort and his allies at the Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft. I kept these scenes in mind when crafting the final battle between my heroes and their foes.

This cheesy, low-budget film starts out with Loki arising from the fires of the Underworld. He seeks the Hammer of Invincibility so he can destroy the Tree of Life that supports the nine realms. From Hell, he opens a gateway to Asgard where he attacks Odin, the ruler of the gods, and his sons, Thor and Baldir. Loki, a black-cloaked figure who speaks like a New Yorker, wields his magic through a bone wand with a globe on its end. He summons the Garmr, three monsters to aid him.

“This portends to be an evil day,” says Odin before he consults the 3 Norns. His dreams of stars turning black means destruction, the goddesses tell him. The magic hammer is the only weapon that can destroy the Tree of Life, and Odin must give it to Loki. Ragnarok, the end of the world, is upon them.

Through trickery, Loki kills Baldir and slays Odin. The dying Odin begs Thor to retrieve the hammer. “You’re our chance to change the fate of gods.”

Jarnsaxa, a servant of Odin, rescues Thor from Loki’s grasp. “Find them. Kill the girl anyway you like but Thor lives for now,” Loki orders his minions.

The girl leads Thor to the gateway for Midgard. She had been second in command under Odin’s father of the Valkyries and teaches him warrior skills.

Loki’s beast finds them and they escape through the portal to Los Angeles. J. lives there and takes him home. “This does not seem like the dwelling of a demi-goddess,” Thor says upon surveying her modest apartment. She claims she has to live like a human while in Midgard and shows him a gun. They don long coats as disguises and set off to find the Tree of Life. “Humans don’t believe in it anymore,” the girl claims with a hint of sadness. They pass through another portal. Thor feels the essence of life inside the great tree beating like a heart. Before he can near the center, a guardian knight challenges him. Thor wins the battle and retrieves the magic hammer. He and the girl return to Midgard.

Loki arrives in L.A. in his spiky black armor and cape and tries to trick Thor into betraying the girl. Thor fights him and wins his wand, tipped with the bone of Urrl. Loki claims it can release Odin and Baldin from Hel, but Thor doesn’t believe him and kills Loki.

The girl says Thor must get rid of the wand because it’s the devil’s tool. Then Loki materializes in front of them. “I killed you,” Thor says in astonishment. “Killed me? I never was alive.”

Loki summons a monster to keep Thor from going with the girl to Vahalla to train for battle.

Thor harnesses the power of the hammer to fight them. The girl kills the beast.

Thor is wounded but the girl saves him. They attempt to escape but Loki holds them baack. Thor heals himself with a magic potion. The girl is hurt when he finds her. As she dies and Thor sobs over her body, she turns into Loki. Having deceived Thor, Loki snatches the hammer from him.

Loki unleashes monsters who tear apart L.A. causing fires and destruction. He keeps Thor and the girl bound and forces them to watch. “It is the end of life, the end of time, the end of you…Soon the nine realms will no longer exist.” He hurtles the girl into the fiery depths of Hel and Thor is next. Loki passes through the gateway to the Tree of Life and demolishes it.

Thor realizes he is unable to stop Fate. Ragnarok comes. While in Hel, he forges a new hammer and returns to Midgard. With renewed vigor, Thor battles Loki. “Nothing is over. We control our own fate.” Thor defeats Loki, heals the Tree, and life blossoms again.

If you’re looking for purely escapist entertainment, this film will provide that much. But there are barely any actors involved except for the three principles mentioned. The dialogue is as over the top as the acting. See Thor with Chris Hemsworth for a movie worth its weight.

<><><>Do you watch a movie and get inspired to read the book, or do you read the book first and then watch the movie?

Leave a comment for a chance to win a spot prize during today’s Release Party!

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Warrior Prince: The Drift Lords Series by Nancy J. Cohen

When mythologist and Florida resident Nira Larsen accepts a job as tour guide for a mysterious stranger, she’s drawn into a nightmare reality where ancient myths come alive and legendary evils seek to destroy her. To survive, she must awaken her dormant powers, but the only person who can help is the man whose touch inflames her passion.

After a dimensional rift in the Bermuda Triangle cracks open and an ancient enemy invades Earth, Zohar—leader of the galactic warriors known as the Drift Lords—summons his troops. He doesn’t count on a redheaded spitfire getting in his way and capturing his heart. Nira has the power to defeat the enemy and to enslave Zohar’s soul. Can he trust her enough to accomplish his mission, or will she lure him to his doom?

Trolls have been around in mythology from the early days. Let’s see how much you know about them. Why the interest? Since my series is based on Norse mythology, my bad guys are evil trolls called Trolleks. Remember the adage: Know your enemy.

When mythologist and Florida resident Nira Larsen accepts a job as tour guide for a mysterious stranger, she’s drawn into a nightmare reality where ancient myths come alive and legendary evils seek to destroy her. To survive, she must awaken her dormant powers, but the only person who can help is the man whose touch inflames her passion.

After a dimensional rift in the Bermuda Triangle cracks open and an ancient enemy invades Earth, Zohar—leader of the galactic warriors known as the Drift Lords—summons his troops. He doesn’t count on a redheaded spitfire getting in his way and capturing his heart. Nira has the power to defeat the enemy and to enslave Zohar’s soul. Can he trust her enough to accomplish his mission, or will she lure him to his doom?

INTERVIEWER: “Let’s welcome mythologist Nira Larsen who has something important to tell you.”

NIRA: “Hello, my name is Nira Larsen. I have important information on a dire threat to mankind. It’s crucial that you listen.” [Gives furtive glance over her shoulder.]

INTERVIEWER: “Can you elaborate, Miss Larsen?”

NIRA: “There’s been a breach in the space/time continuum. I know this is hard to believe, but evil creatures from another dimension have invaded our world. They’re called Trolleks, and they mean to enslave us.”

INTERVIEWER: [Laughs] “Come on, is this some kind of hoax?”

NIRA: “I’m serious. Trolleks look like us, with some differences. The males have large hands and feet and long, ugly noses. The females are beautiful. They give off an irresistible scent that lures people in. Then they put a spell on you so you’ll do whatever they say. Watch out for your neighbors. You don’t know who’s been confounded.”

INTERVIEWER: “What do you mean by ‘confounded’?”

NIRA: “Spellbound into becoming a mind slave. You can’t tell who’s under their influence. Rumor says they’ve already infiltrated world governments. We’re all in terrible danger.”

INTERVIEWER: [Looks askance] “What do they hope to gain by this subterfuge?”

NIRA: [Startled by a noise in the background] “They need us for genetic experiments. But that’s not the worst. The real threat is—”

[A white flash ensues, and the station goes off the air.]

The Invasion Begins…..

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If you heard this on a newscast, would you right away figure it was a hoax? Or would you turn the channel to see if other stations reported something similar?

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Warrior Prince: The Drift Lords Series by Nancy J. Cohen

When mythologist and Florida resident Nira Larsen accepts a job as tour guide for a mysterious stranger, she’s drawn into a nightmare reality where ancient myths come alive and legendary evils seek to destroy her. To survive, she must awaken her dormant powers, but the only person who can help is the man whose touch inflames her passion.

After a dimensional rift in the Bermuda Triangle cracks open and an ancient enemy invades Earth, Zohar—leader of the galactic warriors known as the Drift Lords—summons his troops. He doesn’t count on a redheaded spitfire getting in his way and capturing his heart. Nira has the power to defeat the enemy and to enslave Zohar’s soul. Can he trust her enough to accomplish his mission, or will she lure him to his doom?

To celebrate today’s release of Warrior Prince: The Drift Lords Series, I’m throwing a party on Facebook and on my Blog between 8 am and 8 pm. I hope you’ll join the fun.

Warrior Prince: The Drift Lords Series by Nancy J. Cohen

When mythologist and Florida resident Nira Larsen accepts a job as tour guide for a mysterious stranger, she’s drawn into a nightmare reality where ancient myths come alive and legendary evils seek to destroy her. To survive, she must awaken her dormant powers, but the only person who can help is the man whose touch inflames her passion.

After a dimensional rift in the Bermuda Triangle cracks open and an ancient enemy invades Earth, Zohar—leader of the galactic warriors known as the Drift Lords—summons his troops. He doesn’t count on a redheaded spitfire getting in his way and capturing his heart. Nira has the power to defeat the enemy and to enslave Zohar’s soul. Can he trust her enough to accomplish his mission, or will she lure him to his doom?

Share or Tweet my posts or leave a comment on my Blog or Facebook Page this weekend and get entered into a prize drawing for a Warrior Prince T-shirt and magnet and a signed copy of Wicked” Women Whodunit.

To be eligible for a spot prize, leave a comment on any of today’sBlog posts or status updates on my Facebook Author Page.

The grand prize drawing for the weekend will close at midnight on Sunday and the winner will be announced on Monday morning. U.S. residents only are eligible for any mailable prizes. Non-residents will receive ebook copies or gift cards.

Her cheeks flushed as she latched onto his other remark. “Trolleks? Who are they? And what did you mean when you mentioned credits outside?”

He raised an imperious eyebrow. “I wish to offer you a position as our local guide.”

She gazed at him askance. Whoever these guys were, there wasn’t any doubt in her mind that they needed help. Should she accept?

With her track record, it was likely to be the only decent job offer in her future. Her temples throbbed while she debated her response.

Right now, when she could finally search for her birth parents, she didn’t want any roadblocks getting in the way. Was it worth tagging along with Zohar and his gang to earn the cash she needed for her research?

Maybe they were tourists from a backwater country, but that didn’t explain their raid on the log hut or their assault gear. Something more important was at stake here. Hooking up with them, even as their hired guide, could only spell trouble.

“Sorry.” She stood tall, giving Zohar a level glance. “Tempting as your offer is, I have to decline.”

This marks the end of my series of excerpts. I hope you’ve enjoyed these selections and will read more in the story. A prize drawing from all commenters will be held tomorrow and announced on this site. Go to my Contest page for more opportunities.

His gaze darkened. “We have much to discuss, but not a lot of time. It is unwise to linger.”

His somber expression didn’t sway her. “Feel free to go and take your friends along with you. Your problems aren’t mine, although I do want to thank you for rescuing me from those nutcases in that employment office.” Her forehead scrunched. “Just how did that place vanish, anyway? It was some sort of optical illusion, right?”

“In a way. Look, you fail to understand the danger. We cannot leave you alone.”

“I’m home, and that’s all that matters.”

He shook his head. “Not so. The Trolleks will come after you. They will follow your scent.”

“What scent?” She sniffed the air. “Are you telling me I stink? I may have been running around in the heat, but—”

A grin transformed his face. “You misinterpret, little one. Your skin is fragrant, like purpura blossoms. It is a most pleasant scent and highly alluring.”

This is a 14-day series of excerpts from my upcoming release, WARRIOR PRINCE: Book One in the Drift Lords Series. All commenters will be entered into a drawing for one of my backlist romance ebooks. Two lucky winners will be announced on Day 15. Go to my Contest page for more opportunities.

Their leader accompanied her forward, his boots pounding on the hot pavement. The others crowded behind as she resignedly led the way.

Inside the foyer, Nira tossed her purse on a side table. As soon as Grace was out of earshot in the kitchen, she lowered her voice. “Okay, who are you and what do you want? And where are you from? You talk like foreigners.”

“Our home is called Karrell.” Zohar’s eyes smoldered as he regarded her, his height and powerful shoulders making her feel small and feminine.

“Never heard of it. Must be a tiny country.” She swept her gaze over their belted tunics, side arms, and tailored trousers. “You could pass for invaders from outer space. Are you sure you’re not here for a convention? Because who else would dress like that, unless you’re with a SWAT team?”

“We are here to save your world, not invade it. What is this phrase, swat team?”

“I will research it, rageesh.” The man with a stubbled jaw, unkempt hair, and killer dimples could have been a double for Josh Holloway on Lost. Nira stared at him, wondering if this were some sort of reality show with hidden cameras.

“I told you not to call me that, Paz.”

“My apologies.” Paz bowed his head, making Nira wonder about his relationship to Zohar.

This is a 14-day series of excerpts from my upcoming release, WARRIOR PRINCE: Book One in the Drift Lords Series. All commenters will be entered into a drawing for one of my backlist romance ebooks. Two lucky winners will be announced on Day 15. Go to my Contest page for more opportunities.